Rebecca Davis editorDeadly flooding did not divert this year’s Pingyao International Film Festival from running its full course, with the event drawing to a close Monday with an award ceremony honoring Egyptian director Omar El Zohairy, India’s Natesh Hegde, and China’s Kong Dashan and Wei Shujun with top prizes.Many anticipated that this fifth edition of the festival would be different, given the shifting role of its co-founder and leading light, director Jia Zhangke.
He unexpectedly stepped down last year, only to recant and come back in the nebulous role of “chief experience officer” months ago.Instead, this year’s iteration has been more memorable for the backdrop of historically heavy rains that have left at least 15 dead, more than.
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